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District 6 - Two Harbors CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports muzzleloader hunting ended quietly, and the pine marten and fisher trapping season opened. Both were slow. Equipment maintenance and animal-related complaints were handled throughout the week.
CO Curtis Simonson (International Falls #2) reports minimal ice fishing activity on area lakes and rivers. Muzzleloader deer hunters and small-game hunters were checkedthroughouttheweek. CO John Slatinski IV (Ray) reports ice conditions continue to be inconsistent at best, and across the spectrum. Anglers in some areas are reporting good fishable ice, while anglers should stay off other areas. The warm weekend did not help, but the upcoming cooler weather forecast should make improvements. The muzzleloader deer season ended with a few people out in a last-ditch effort to utilize their tag. A reminder that some ATV registrations will expireattheendofDecember. Training was also attended at Camp Ripley.
CO Troy Fondie (Orr) reports below-zero temps during the week limited outdoor activities. Ice remains unsafe.Trappersfoundaccess difficult at best as most trails were covered with downed trees and forest roads were unplowed. Equipment work is ongoing and administrative tasks continue.
CO Sean Cannon (Cook) spent time this week monitoring trapping activity, checking ice anglers, and monitoring snowmobile activity. Most lakes have anywhere from five to 12 inches of ice, and fishing was slow. Snowmobiletrailsremainungroomed andrough,andlakes are snow-covered with areas of slush, so the riding is not great yet. Time was also spent on equipment maintenance.
COAaronLarson(Tower) worked primarily angling, trapping, and snowmobile enforcement. Larson reports many anglers hitting the lakes with improved ice conditions. He also noted a few more snowmobiles in the area with most activity still around town. Time was also spent working on equipment maintenance and yearly training.
CO Marc Johnson (Hibbing) primarily worked angling and small-game and trapping activity. Cold weather kept most people indoors, making for a quiet week. The fisher/pine marten season opened, and muzzleloader season ended. The cold weather helped create additional ice on local lakes, many of which now have upwards of six inches.
CO Shane Zavodnik (Virginia) spent time continuing to work on his background investigation for the upcoming CO Academy. He also completed a deer farm inspection and assisted setting up a course for the hands-on training of the snowmobile safety class. Ice conditions have varied from lake to lake throughout the station, with angling activity starting to increase on the smaller bodies of water.
CO Duke Broughten (Aurora) spent the week monitoring trapping, ice fishing, spearing, and snowmobile activity. Few ice anglers were encountered as the ice thickness on local lakes varies from open water to 5 inches. Warm weather over the weekend shrunk the little amount of snow in the area. Snowmobile season is once again on hold. Broughten also fielded calls regarding snowmobile registration and assisted with a snowmobile safety class. A big thank you to Steve Scheuring with Scheuring Speed Sports for allowing the kids to use the snocross track to complete their class!
District 5 - Eveleth area CO Sean Williams (Ely #1) reports spending time patrolling trails by snowmobile. Conditions were good although many trails had evidence of ATV and motor vehicle traffic. People are reminded that snowmobile trails are closed to motor vehicle and ATV traffic beginning Dec. 1. Violations included operating a motor vehicle on a designated snowmobile trail, lynx zone trap violation, and untagged trap.
CO Brent Ihnen (Ely #2) continued monitoring deer and small-game-hunting activity. Ihnen also patrolled for ATV and snowmobile operators.
CO Anthony Bermel (Babbitt) reports working trapping, muzzleloader deer hunting, and snowmobile enforcement throughout the week. Violations mainly revolved around snowmobiles, with enforcement action taken for expired registration, not displaying registration, and loud exhaust. An update for all snowmobilers: The Legislature greatly increased the fine amount for having loud snowmobile exhaust. It is highly recommended you change out your muffler if it is modified.
CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) worked trapping activity in the area. Time was spent on his snowmobile checking a few anglers and sleds before the warmup. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile violations.
COHudsonLedeen(Hovland) spent time working on a background investigation. Time was also spent working trapping, snowmobiling, and skiing activities. Warm weather over the weekend stalled area lakes from making ice.
COTrentAnderson(Tofte) focused on ice fishing and snowmobiling activity for the week. Area ice and trail conditions remain spotty due to the recent warm weather. Snowmobilers are reminded to review registration before testing the trails.
COMeganFranzen (Silver Bay) spent the week checking ice anglers and monitoring snowmobile activity. Time was also spent monitoring trapping activity with the opening of the fisher and pine marten season. Enforcement action was taken for snowmobile violations.
